Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Can’t be in Times Square for New Year’s Eve? No problem! Just head to downtown Ludington for the Lighted Ball Drop at midnight.
It’s all part of Ludington’s Light Up the Lake New Year’s Eve event. Every year thousands of people gather in the heart of downtown Ludington on New Year’s Eve to witness the Ball Drop!
The fun starts early New Year’s Eve in downtown Ludington, so bring the entire family and plan to shop for bargains at area merchants and have a meal in one of our fantastic restaurants.
The event is hosted by WMOM Radio and is open-air (no tent) but the fireplace and heaters kept party goers warm. Beverage offerings included seltzer, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
The main events are West Michigan’s Largest New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at midnight and fireworks following the Ball Drop.
Each year, community businesses and individuals come together to sponsor free rides/tows for the public on New Year’s Eve to prevent drunk driving incidents.
On December 31st, numerous downtown businesses offer great sales and many of them stay open late at night. And some of Ludington’s favorite downtown restaurants have dinner specials for two. Whether you want to wander through our art galleries, browse our specialty stores, or enjoy food and drink at a local restaurant or pub, Ludington welcomes you to come in out of the weather!
It’s a one of a kind event…with evening activities beginning at 9pm at the North James Street Plaza in the heart of downtown Ludington. Be sure to check our Coupons Page for discounts and specials offered by Ludington area merchants, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Also follow the links below for business listings to help with planning!
The Ludington New Year’s Eve ball is six feet, five inches in diameter and is lit by 6,000 LED lights. It is the biggest ball in West Michigan. There are four different color lights which blink as it’s lowered.
Employees of GLC Metal Fabricators and Harsco were responsible for making the ball, and Tye Signs installed the lights. The ball is truly a community project and something Ludington is very proud of!
Ludington Downtown Development Authority
231-845-6237
400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI 49431
Visit downtown Ludington and enjoy music and family activities in an outdoor setting, to celebrate Octoberfest!
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Ludington is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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There are so many things to see and do in Ludington! Don’t miss a single activity during your visit by exploring VisitLudington.com!
The black-and-white striped, 112 foot lighthouse at the Ludington State Park stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
THANK YOU!